Froodee

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.EU domains selling like hotcakes

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The sale of .EU top-level Internet domains was opened to the public last April 7th (open to European citizens and businesses), and since then the domains have been selling like hotcakes. According to Eunid, the non-profit registry that oversees the operation of the domain space, more than 1.3 million .EU domains have been registered as of Monday, with 700,000 being registered on the first day alone.

German users led the pack, owning about half of all .EU domains so far, with about 400,000 domains registered . Brits followed close behind, with 270,000 plus. The rush to purchase domains is brought about by the likelihood of these names becoming popular online names in the near future. Some consider such activities as domain squatting, but this is actually a perfectly legitimate business for some individuals and companies, which are called “domainers,” or domains that are otherwise unused, but stuffed with keyword-rich content and links.

On sorting out disputes, Eunid has set up a virtual adjudication chamber where hearings are conducted, and so far 60 requests for adjudication have been submitted.

IM: Why Not?

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Many businesses are opting out of the instant messaging game early on. Even with the reported benefits of IM among companies—which may include increased productivity due to faster communications, and faster turnaround times of business processes. Some companies even use instant messaging for customer service, either through dedicated online chat support, or via staff or employees getting in touch with clients via IM (for the more tech-oriented companies, that is).

However, some companies, particularly those on the more traditional side, are opting out of this trend, even going to the extent of banning their employees outright from using instant messaging clients. Some even actively block IM software from their office firewalls. Companies argue that productivity falls because employees are tempted to go chatting rather than doing their usual work. However, in cases like these, employees are likely to look for workarounds—such as web-based IM clients that usually go through the firewalls—rather than comply.

Improving Service Level Agreements

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Service Level Agreements, or SLAs, are contracts entered into by a company with another for outsourced services. The service provider, usually IT-services firms, are usually tasked with preparing and finalizing the SLA. However, this leads to problems when the company procuring services is not literate with regard to the service being offered. So what are good ways to deal with SLAs such that both parties’ expectations are well met?

For one, an SLA must be adequately reviewed for accuracy and precision in wording, by both parties. The wording should be adequately expounded such that it is understood in layman’s terms. Hence, even if the procuring firm doesn’t understand technology as much as the IT firm, it can understand what the agreed service levels should entail.

IT and business are closely integrated, especially in this era of e-commerce and mobility. Hence, companies cannot simply overlook the fact that they are likely to deal with SLAs sooner or later, or set up their own IT departments or teams. If the former is the only option, then it pays to be vigilant in setting up agreements for services.

BlackBerry to go 3G

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Great news to business people and mobile workers: the popular BlackBerry is about to go 3G. Research-in-Motion, creator of the BlackBerry technology and BlackBerry mobile devices, has announced it is partnering with Vodafone of UK to offer 3G services along with its push-email technology.

Mobile workers are sure to be glad with this news. With 3G BlackBerries, not only could you send and receive email messages while on-the-go, you could now video-conference with your correspondents with similar 3G devices, and transfer all sorts of data at broadband speeds. BlackBerry’s 3G-enabled phone is reported to be quad-band, meaning, it will support the two GSM frequencies used in Europe and one in the Americas, along with 3G.

Mobility is a factor important to companies nowadays. With the popularity of telecommuting or work-at-home settings, employers are increasingly looking into ways they can get in touch with staff from any place they may be.

50% mobile by 2009

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According to a survey, 50% of workers in the UK would be mobile by the year 2009. This means by that time, most of us would either be at home working in our jammies or doing our business deals in cafes and pubs. And technology is at the forefront of this new virtual office phenomenon.

The onset of mobile telephones and laptop computers signaled the start of a new era for the professional. Gone are the days when an employee had to be to the office everyday from nine to five to earn a day’s living. Now, in most companies, it’s the other way around. The norm is steadily moving towards having an office where employees don’t own their own desks, but just carry around a laptop, and plug in at an empty desk at the office whenever needed. And this is just the beginning, because with mobile email services, people don’t even need a computer to communicate to clients and co-workers while on the move!